Pune: PMC Holds High-Level Meeting on Transgender Welfare and Inclusion
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Pune, 22nd July 2026: In a significant step towards advancing the rights and welfare of the transgender community, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) convened a high-level meeting to discuss measures for ensuring social inclusion, economic empowerment and equal access to government services.
The meeting was chaired by Asha Raut, Deputy Commissioner of the PMC’s Social Development Department.
Discussions focused on key issues affecting transgender persons, including access to welfare schemes, employment opportunities, skill development, education, healthcare and housing, as well as the need to ensure dignity, safety and equality.
Addressing the meeting, LGBTQIA+ activist Manasvi Goelkar emphasised that meaningful inclusion requires sustained dialogue backed by concrete action.
“The transgender community does not seek sympathy—we seek equal opportunities, dignity and recognition. Policies become meaningful only when they are implemented effectively and reach those who need them most. We hope this dialogue marks the beginning of stronger collaboration between the administration and the community,” Goelkar said.
Participants stressed the importance of strengthening coordination between the PMC and representatives of the transgender community to ensure that government welfare schemes are easily accessible and effectively implemented. The need for dedicated programmes tailored to the community’s specific needs, along with the timely redressal of grievances, also featured prominently in the discussions.
The meeting was attended by Monika Dodke of the Mangalmukhi Kinnar Charitable Trust; Manasvi Goelkar; Amrapali of the Saawali Foundation; Teju Punekar; Milan Labade of the Rainbow Roots Foundation; and several representatives of the transgender community, activists and social workers.
Officials reiterated the need for a more inclusive approach to policymaking and expressed hope that the Social Development Department would introduce initiatives promoting education, employment, healthcare and social security for transgender persons.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment from the administration and community representatives to continue working together to translate the constitutional values of equality, dignity and justice into meaningful opportunities for the transgender community.
